Alcopops are tops with kids, survey claims

Alcoholic lemonade is the second most fashionable drink after Coca-Cola among children as young as 12, says a new report on school children’s attitudes.

The findings of the survey by the Media Business Group are further evidence that drinks firms are appealing to children with the marketing and packaging of alcopops brands. It shows the extent to which the drinks have attained status among young teenagers.

The survey, the School Children’s Attitude Monitor, shows that alcoholic lemonade, which includes brands like Hooper’s Hooch and Two Dogs, is the second most popular drink for the 12 to 15 age group after Coke. It beats Pepsi with four per cent, and Tango with two per cent, into third and fourth place.

SCAM questioned 600 school children aged 12 to 15, and asked them to say, unprompted, which drink they thought was “in”. Over a third said Coke, and nearly a fifth said alcoholic drinks. Seven per cent said alcoholic lemonade, and a further four per cent named Hooper’s Hooch, produced by Bass.